Southern Surgical Arts - Calhoun

Almost 2 weeks ago, I underwent surgery at SSA to address various areas of concern. Dr. Gardner handled all of my facial procedures (chin implant, chin lipo, Renuvion skin tightening, & facial fat transfer) and he couldn’t have done a more phenomenal job! I saw amazing results on day 1 and these will continue to improve even further over time. I was also very impressed that Dr. Gardner took the personal initiative to call me the night after surgery to check on me, in spite of also having lower ranking doctors already tasked with making these calls. That was really cool. He also chose to be present for my 2 week checkup rather than sending one of the Fellows to handle this chore. From the beginning, I knew I could trust his judgment and he made me feel so confident that I was making the right decision to address my weak chin. And he was not wrong! Really down to earth guy w/ very peaceful, cool energy. When I’m older and seeking a facelift, I now know who I will be calling!

Dr. Deal recently revised an old breast aug + lift that was pretty messed up from my previous provider. I was highly impressed with the lengths he went to in order to guarantee proper positioning, perfect scarring, and the specific type of look I was personally seeking. I certainly wish I would’ve gone to him for the original surgery back in 2018 rather than putting myself thru 3 operations but I know without a doubt that it has finally been fixed once and for all! I would also like to give a shoutout to LPN Erica Rankin who was my caregiver and bestie for the first 24 hrs of my recovery. His partner, Dr. Gardener did a phenomenal job on my chin & face as well. I should also mention that Kelly was a very skilled surgical coordinator as she was able to talk me off the ledge several times when I had so many pre-operation jitters! SSA is elite and I will definitely return for as long as they’ll have me.

Breast Augmentation, 275cc, Natrelle SSM, Moderate Profile, White Caucasian, Female, 5'7", 120lbs Small implants with perfect proportional results that fit my body and chest. Cording to the Natrelle sizing chart, my width (11.5cm) across my chest matched with the 275cc implant suggested.

Day 1: Feeling sore but not too bad. My surgeon gave me the numbing cream that goes inside of your breast pocket to help the initial soreness for the first 2 days. I've been alternating Valium to relax the muscles and Oxycodone for the pain.

Feeling: super excited and pleased. I thought they would be bigger, so like all the other women have said, I could've been just as happy at 300cc or 310cc. Than being said, I'm obsessed it's my new titties!
Updated on 16 Jul 2024:
Day 1 - Surgery

* Was a bit nervous and kind of grumpy because my surgery didn’t start until 3. I couldn’t eat or drink all day. I went through 3 bags of saline in my IV - very dehydrated. Made me super puffy and bloated post surgery.

* I started to get a little nervous when I walked into the operating room but the anesthesiologist gave me the drugs almost immediately and I was out.

* I woke up in post op very groggy but kind of energetic.

* I dozed off and on for the next few hours and ate some soup, crackers and a popsicle in between.

I ate ramen and ate that around 8:30/9. I was definitely hungry after not eating all day. We went on a walk - just a block and then walked back.

* Felt sore and was a little surprised my boobs looked smaller than I thought. I’m hoping they settle and drop into a bigger shape and size. Otherwise, I may get bigger ones in the future.

* We went to bed and woke up 2 times for medicine and to move around. I ended up waking myself up to move around and meds around 4 am.

* Valium feels really nice and helps to relax my muscles. Oxycodone gives me some relief from the pain and soreness.

* Pain is maybe a 3 to 4 with a lot of soreness. Took Milk of Magnesia before going to bed. No BM



Updated on 17 Jul 2024:
* Woke up around 5a and took some Oxy meds at 5:30a. So far I’m feeling very sore. There was a tiny bit of sharpness of pain in my back left around the outer boob but went away.
* Wedge pillow is key!
* It definitely hurts to open my arms up to the sides.
* I had lots of energy day 2.
* At my follow up appt today, Dr. Z, one of Dr. Deal’s fellows, did my follow up and she said that’s typical to have a lot of energy with all the drugs pumping through my body. Plus, since I went smaller, my recovery isn’t going to be as prolonged or painful as someone who went bigger. We shall see.
* I saw my boobs for the first time during my appt (had to keep my bra on until then) and loved them! They are sitting very high and look great and round and perfect (see photos) but definitely high upper poles and very firm right now. They need to drop and fluff. They are also a little oddly shaped but that’s to be expected.
* They feel super hard and firm. There is no bouncy movement. These girls are strapped in for the next few weeks until they feel ready to settle in to my breast pockets.
* I was on a pretty steady dose of Valium and Oxy, maybe a few 4 hour gaps in between during the afternoon and evening.
* My mom was in town, and my partner and I went to a friend’s birthday party for an hour and then dinner at Alleia. Leaving dinner, I was feeling really tired and sore. It may have been too much within the first 36 hours, but I was excited to these new fun bags out for a ride.
* I took Milk of Magnesia and Ducolax for constipation throughout the day. Had 1 BM and was very bloated but still had a decent appetite.
* Very sore from surgery but felt energetic.
*Took Valium and Oxycodon for the pain.

Updated on 20 Jul 2024:
July 13, Day 3:
* I felt very energized
* Finally had a bowl movement but had to use a suppository.
* I’m not driving because I’m on drugs and the motion to turn the wheel is painful.
* Friends came over and hung out until from morning until about 2 or 3p.
* It was so fun to have a full house and be surrounded by friends while recovering.
* Saturday night we chilled and just relaxed.
* Boobs feel tight and the numbing gel is wearing off a bit. Still high and misshapen a little bit.

July 14, Day 4:
* Still feeling energetic and really excited for these new gals to shape up
* Having SO MUCH FUN trying on new clothes
* We went to Walmart though and (my boyfriend) picked up some plants and then we had friends over to the pool.
* I’m not driving yet and am not allowed to get my chest submerged in any kind of “dirty” water.

July 15, Day 5:
-Drove just down the street to the store and back for the first time today, and I had to do little micro turns with the steering wheel because it hurts to fully turn the wheel, range of motion is limited.
-Went for a 3 mi walk with friends. The pace was much slower. I felt chills walking in a very hot day so unsure if my body was fighting a fever or just adjusting to movement.
- Was able to cook dinner, chop veggies, hang out with everyone pretty comfortably but feeling very tired toward the end of the day
-Felt overall good and able to do most tasks in the house and get back to work (remote desk job)
-I’m still wearing my post-op bras that zip up the front and they feel really tight and uncomfortable at night, but I’m supposed to wear bras when I sleep.
-Taking less Valium and Oxy through the day. The Oxy makes me very very itchy all over my skin.

July 16, Day 6:
-What in the world has happened in the land of tiny titties?! ????
-I wish I had a photo from before of all these bras and shirts that collapsed into my boobs/chest!
-Note: Take before photos of a few shirts and tops before you get your boobies!
-Sternum is very sore and bruised and has been most of the last few days. I noticed bruising between my breasts and below in the middle below my sternum. Scared me a little bit but it’s more yellow bruising which is normal.





Updated on 20 Jul 2024:
Breast Augmentation, 275 cc, Natrelle SSM, Moderate Profile, Caucasian, 5’7” 120lbs
-Before my BA, I was a double A, maybe a small A.
-I wanted to fill out shirts and feel more feminine in my body, but I’m very active - workout and lift weights; rock climbing; mountain bike and so I wanted to boobs but not huge boobs - just moderately proportionate to my body yet till nice and full and sexy!

If you are searching for an honest surgeon, amazing environment and natural BEAUTIFUL results - LOOK NO FURTHER! From your complimentary consultation that is so in depth and really sets the bar for your expectations and plan, to stepping into the office for the first time - you’re a star! Dr. Deal is an absolute professional who not only made me feel so comfortable but his entire staff works double time to make sure you know they’ve got your back, you are safe and in the drivers seat of your procedures. They are so attentive and thorough and honestly, very cool to be around. I promise you will feel amongst friends every time you step in the door. My procedure was smooth and quick and recovery was so much easier than I’d ever expected, all of the follow ups have been quick and concise and I have had every opportunity to ask questions, express any concerns, etc. The facility is truly ideal! My results are natural looking and I feel so secure and sexy. I’m 100% grateful for this office, the experience and my results! ????

Hands down the best plastic surgeons and surgical office you can find. From the moment you have your consultation with Dr. Deal to making your appointment with Erica, and Maggie making sure you have everything you need before your surgery, you are taken care of. The day of surgery they do their very best to be sure you are relaxed and prepared. Everyone has the absolute best bed side manner. And let me tell you your results are going to be better than you expected! As a nurse myself, I have very high standards to my healthcare needs and SSA surpasses all of them! 10/10 recommend!!

I never thought in a million years that I would have a flat stomach. And I had no clue the confidence that would come with removing some skin and getting breast implants. Life changing. Dr. Ray is a true artist and my body is proof!

I can’t say enough positive things about Dr. Ray! After extensive research and many consultations, I knew I found the surgeon I trusted and felt most confident in. Dr. Ray truly cares for his patients and takes his time to listen, go over all options and set realistic expectations. I am 8 weeks post op and over the moon with my results. If you’re picky about how your belly button will look and having a shape after a tummy tuck then he is your guy! I had an amazing experience and plan to see Dr. Ray for more procedures in the future!

Dr Ray is an excellent surgeon with an amazing staff. His entire office is dedicated to helping patients.

Dr Ray listens and his goals are you goals. He wants the best possible outcome for his patients. He takes pride in his work and he’s an artist of true talent.

I lost 170 lbs but was left with a mess of just skin. Dr Ray took that skin and showed me what was hiding underneath. He gave me my body my confidence my freedom. I can’t express enough how grateful I am I chose him and the gratitude I have for what he’s done for me.

Another thing I had surgery on a Friday. His fellow Dr.Z checked on me via FaceTime Friday night Saturday morning and called me Sunday afternoon. I saw her Monday morning in office. She made sure I was okay all weekend had my meds my incisions looked good answered my questions calmed my fears she was my light in hardest days of recovery. ?

Maggie is the nurse there and she promptly answered all my emails (and there were several) about questions concerns I had leading up to surgery.

The amount of care and compassion that comes from this office isn’t found anywhere else. They care about you as person not a dollar sign. Safety and results are their priority and you get lots of follow ups.

If you book with Dr Ray you’re going to be in the best hands.

I’m only 2 weeks post op and already in love with my results. “Good news is, it only gets better from here” -Dr. Ray



Thank you so very much for everything. This was the best thing I’ve ever done worth every penny!

If you want a breast augmentation that looks beautiful with very little pain then Dr. Ray is your surgeon! From start to finish I can say that my experience was an exciting but peaceful one. He came highly recommended by a friend and I am so glad I chose him for my surgery. I trusted him completely and he did not disappoint! When looking for a surgeon you not only want to find someone who will listen to you, answer every question and be available if you have concerns afterwards but he must be good at what he does. I got it all with Dr Ray! I LOVE my new look and one day when I decide to have that mommy makeover he will be the one to do it.

My right breast was a 34D & my left breast was a 34B. All I wanted was symmetry to be more comfortable in my own skin. Dr. Gardner showed me my options, answered all my questions truthfully & listened to my wants and needs. I decided on a unilateral breast reduction on my right side. I am so thankful for the work Dr. Gardner did & the results were better than I ever imagined. He’s professional, honest and respectful to my wishes. This man is a God send!